Sport

The reputation of the deluxe Verdura Resort in Sicily has risen to new heights after partnering with two of golf's most influential backers.

The leading contemporary sports and lifestyle destination has become the newest member of IMG Prestige – an exclusive collection of some of the world's most celebrated golfing venues – while it has also joined forces with HSBC's Premier Golf Network to promote the resort to its wide-reaching membership database.

Verdura, which features two championship courses amongst its outstanding golf facilities and hosted the Sicilian Open in 2012, joins an illustrious list of courses in the IMG Prestige portfolio including Kingsbarns, Scotland; Carton House, Ireland; Cape Kidnappers, New Zealand; Le Touessrok, Mauritius; Spain's La Manga Club and Yas Links in the United Arab Emirates.

IMG Prestige's global reciprocal programme brings together a collection of the finest golfing facilities in the world in recognition of the exceptional experience they provide members and guests both on and off the course.

The HSBC Premier Golf Network was launched seven years ago for HSBC Premier Customers with savings or investments of £50,000 or more or an annual income of at least £100,000. The network is an exclusive free online resource for customers with monthly articles from leading golf publications, competitions, discounted lessons and tee times, golf breaks, latest equipment reviews and online tuition.

Marcello Della Vecchia, Director of Golf Sales at Verdura Resort, said: “IMG and HSBC are two of golf's biggest global supporters and it's a great privilege for Verdura to be working alongside them.

“We're delighted to have partnered with two companies dedicated to delivering a high-quality service to their customers and are excited at the opportunity to meet and develop many new relationships with their members over the coming months.”

Set in 230 hectares of stunning landscape, Verdura – a Rocco Forte hotel – is a golfers' dream and features two outstanding 18-hole championship courses – the East Course and West Course – as well as a par-three nine hole course.

Designed by world-renowned architect Kyle Phillips, the three links-style layouts have been built to the highest specifications, with tee times arranged at 12-minute intervals to ensure free-flowing play, five sets of tees making the courses playable for golfers of all abilities and one of its courses dedicated daily to two-ball play only.

Complementing the courses are extensive practice facilities including a double-ended driving range and excellent golf academy, while players can also take advantage of the latest state-of-the-art TaylorMade equipment when they hire clubs at the resort after a significant upgrade of its rental service this summer.

Verdura, also a member of Leading Hotels of the World, has won widespread recognition across the luxury global travel industry since opening in 2009 with honours including a 'Golden Award for Golf' at the 2015 Voyages & Hôtels Readers Awards and being named 'Best Family European Golf Resort' by the 2011 Tatler Travel Guide.

Situated on Sicily's southern coast between Agrigento and the fishing city of Sciacca, an 80-minute drive from Trapani and Palermo airports, the resort features 203 rooms and suites – all with a sea view. Away from the fairways, guests can enjoy numerous other sports and leisure facilities including six tennis courts, a 60m two-tiered infinity pool, a 170sqm fully-equipped gym and an award-winning 4,000sqm spa complex.

The resort is set in 230 hectares of stunning landscape overlooking the Mediterranean with 1.8km of private coastline, and offers golfing guests and families an unparalleled modern five-star experience on the largest island in the Mediterranean. The resort is located on the southern coast of Sicily between Agrigento and the fishing city of Sciacca, a 80-minute drive from Trapani and Palermo airports.

Verdura features 203 rooms and suites, all with sea view, and is a paradise for golfers, with its outstanding facilities. Golfers from all over the world come to enjoy the two 18-hole championship courses and a nine-hole par-three course, all designed by world-renowned golf architect Kyle Phillips and playable all-year-round. Verdura was the host venue for the European Tour's 2012 Sicilian Open and its three links-style layouts have been built to the highest specifications. The resort's East Course is ranked as one of the finest in continental Europe while its beautiful West Course, also a par-72, provides the ideal complement and features one of the most memorable finishes anywhere in the world with the final four holes set alongside the Mediterranean. The courses are matched by outstanding practice amenities including a double-ended driving range and excellent golf academy.

Verdura's other sports facilities include six tennis courts; a 60m two-tiered infinity pool; numerous watersports, one football pitch; a 170sqm fully-equipped gym and a collection of running trails through olive and lemon groves. The resort's award-winning 4,000sqm spa complex includes 11 treatment rooms, gym, yoga studio, a 25-metre indoor lap pool, four outdoor Thalassotherapy pools, a double-height steam room, male and female saunas and a spa bar for healthy alternatives.

Guests can sample an authentic taste of traditional Sicily with an array of dishes at one of the resort's four restaurants and five bars – with fresh, organic produce sourced straight from Verdura's own garden. In addition, visitors can enjoy an array of cultural and culinary experiences where they can discover the secrets of Sicilian cooking, with menus inspired by celebrity chef Fulvio Pierangelini, and taste the many famous wines of the region. There is also plenty to keep the younger members of the family entertained with dedicated kids and teen clubs providing a variety of fun-packed activity programmes throughout the year.

Verdura Resort has received widespread recognition through numerous awards including a 'Golden Award for Golf' at the 2015 Voyages & Hôtels Readers Awards and named 'Best Family European Golf Resort' by the 2011 Tatler Travel Guide.